turnabout

[ turn-uh-bout ]

noun

1. the act of turning in a different or opposite direction.
2. a change of opinion, loyalty, etc.
3. a reciprocal action; act of doing to someone exactly as that person has done to oneself or another:

   Turnabout is fair play.

4. a person who changes things; a radical.
5. Chiefly British. merry-go-round.

turnabout

/ ˈtɜːnəˌbaʊt /

noun

1. the act of turning so as to face a different direction
2. a change or reversal of opinion, attitude, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of turnabout¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; noun use of verb phrase turn about

Example Sentences

To Levitt and Dubner, this historical turnabout teaches that technological innovation solves problems, and if it creates new problems, innovation will solve those, too.

From Nautilus

That’s quite a turnabout from recent all-time highs for both.

From TechCrunch

Even Michele Bachmann recently made an abrupt turnabout on the issue, declaring it a settled question.

From The Daily Beast

The recent turnabout is, ironically, a bit awkward for some of Obama's backers in the political press.

From The Daily Beast

The incredible turnabout of Martin Drengo, the attack on David, who was killed, but somehow was not dead.

From Project Gutenberg

That is—until there was a question of turnabout being fair play in a world where natives took their skinning literally!

From Project Gutenberg

Turnabout may not always be fair play in the gulfs between the stars.

From Project Gutenberg

In the course of its fighting the monster may have to turnabout.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• change of direction
• flip-flop
• reversal
• turnaround
• U-turn